Hunting for Preppers

What are the Different Methods of
Hunting

Although hunting is enjoyed by
millions of people every year as a
sport, they don't define hunting the
same way as preppers. There are
several drastically different ways
hunting for preppers can differ.
While most folks hunt for sport, we
will be hunting for our survival. To
be prepared for survival hunting
after TEOTWAWKI, it's important to
learn about the different hunting
options, so that you can choose the
method that you'll will provide you
the most success.

RIFLE HUNTING

For rifle hunting, you need little
more than a rifle, ammunition, a
hunting knife for cleaning, the
appropriate attire for the terrain,
and any general camping or hiking
gear. Additionally, many consider
rifle hunting to be slightly easier
than using a bow, simply because it
is easier to load a rifle and make a
kill with a bullet than it is with a
bow. Larger rifles are used to bring
down larger game, like elk and bear.

BOW HUNTING

Bow hunting is
the preferred
hunting type for
those who wish
to get more in
touch with the
primal nature of
the sport. As it
is quieter than
rifle hunting,
bow hunting
often allows
opportunities to
bag several
animals, since
others aren't
spooked when you
fire. The
quietness of bow
hunting for
preppers is
important to
OPSEC. However,
since bows
generally can't
produce the same
type of power as
rifles, aim and
accuracy are
much more
important. Bow
hunters
generally carry
their bow, a
hunting knife,
extra arrows and
arrowheads,
extra bowstrings
in case of
breakage or
other string
damage, and a
rangefinder.
They typically
aim for only
large game, as
it is very
difficult to
bring down
smaller animals
with a bow.

USING DECOYS

Decoys are typically used for
hunting waterfowl, although large
game decoys do exist. Generally used
in conjunction with fowl-enticing
calls or scents, decoys are placed
in the sight of hunters who are
camouflaged within a hide or a
blind. Decoys often reduce the skill
level needed for a successful hunt,
as they often bring game to the
hunter. Decoys also increase the
chances of having a successful hunt,
which is especially important if you
are hunting for meat instead of
trophies.

TRACKING

Regardless of their weapon, many
hunters choose to track their game
instead of simply waiting for the
game to come to them. Bow hunters
are more likely to track than rifle
hunters, mainly because a bow is
quieter and less likely to spook
game if the hunter misses. Tracking
requires skill in the form of being
able to identify animal tracks,
scat, and other signs that your
desired game has been in the area
recently. A skilled tracker can
almost guarantee contact with the
game that they are hunting. Hunting
gear for trackers tends to be sparse
and lightweight, since they have to
carry everything with them as they
go.

BLINDS AND HIDES

The use of blinds, hides, lodges,
and similar hiding spots is more
common than tracking because it
requires little more than patience
in order to have a successful hunt.
Blinds and hides are set up in areas
where the desired game is common,
and then the hunters simply wait in
their hiding spot for their targets
to arrive. Abundant hunting gear can
be stored in the blind. The main
drawbacks to using a blind or a
lodge are that they require time to
set up, and there is no guarantee
that the desired game will make an
appearance.